The detective who almost died when he was wounded as he tried to intervene in an alleged robbery earlier this year has been praised for his commitment in returning to work.

DC Luke Simms sustained life-threatening injuries and died on an operating table twice after an incident outside Coral bookmakers in Birch Hill on Wednesday, May 19, but has recently returned to work, doing six-hour days working behind the scenes as he recovers.

Chief Inspector Simon Bowden, commander of Bracknell police, said: “He’s back at work and is as keen as ever before.

“It goes to show the commitment of officers in the force and the levels of service they are prepared to give.”